The Bureau of Land Management to begin fine fuel herbicide treatments north of Reno
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CARSON CITY, Nev. – On or around October 17, 2023, the Bureau of Land Management plans to begin an herbicide treatment targeting cheat grass in two areas north of Reno, NV on BLM administered lands. Treatment is expected to last approximately three to five days.
“The BLM’s objective with this treatment is to safely apply herbicide to reduce wildfire spread and improve ecosystem function on our public lands,” said Carson City District Fire Management Officer, Jonathan Palma.
The two areas subject to treatment include 3,200 acres previously burned within the 2019 Baccarat fire boundary located approximately 2.5 miles north of Cold Springs and directly east of the Petersen Mountains, and 400 acres along Dry Valley Road approximately one mile northeast of the Rancho Haven community and directly west of Seven Lakes Mountain.
The herbicide treatment will consist of an aerial application using a fixed-wing aircraft aimed at targeting cheatgrass, an invasive annual grass. Unless necessary, it is recommended to avoid entering the treatment areas during and up to one day post-treatment.
The purpose of this project is to reduce fine fuel loading caused by cheatgrass along roadsides and within previously burned areas. This treatment is a part of larger fuel break and restoration projects within the BLM Carson City District Office aimed at mitigating wildfire spread and restoring areas previously burned by wildfire. Strategically reducing hazardous fuels along roadsides will help minimize wildfire size and scale and subsequent land degradation. Vegetation restoration treatments within the previously burned area will support wildlife habitat improvement and increased landscape resilience to disturbances such as wildfire.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.